How others will see it. The story is so rousing that even those who avoid ol movies like the plague will be forced to admit it's better than last week's blockbuster. We are robbed of an Errol Flynn-styled showdown between Larsen's ship and that of his equally black-hearted brother. Other than that, there's nothing to be ungrateful for. It's another winner (and audience pleaser) from Michael Curtiz and Warner Bros.
How I felt about it. Robinson is well cast as the scowling and brutal Captain Larsen. His headaches and bouts of blindness are, I suppose, intended as God's punishment for his dastardly ways. Still, it would have been better if he did not have them, but instead received his inevitable comeuppance in a confrontation with Garfield or his unseen brother.
Or, perhaps, with Van Weyden, who becomes Larsen's conscience during his voyage. Larsen and Van Weyden don't really know what to make of each other, but the fascination is mutual. Larsen wants to see if Van Weyden can be turned into a killer, or at least corrupted into a selfish act. Van Weyden wants to know why Larsen gave up his soul to lead a crew of devils.
Barry Fitzgerald has the most entertaining role as the ship's cook. A snickering and mischievous scoundrel, he provides what comic relief there is in the movie, along with the pathetic protestations from ship doctor Louie (Gene Lockhart).
Brooding John Garfield's career was on the rise during The Sea Wolf. As usual, he has a chip on his shoulder, and Larsen wastes no time giving him an excuse for it.
Ida Lupino's character is more difficult to decipher. She represents hope, which is why her survival is so essential. But she is also a criminal, fitting for Larsen's Ghost ship. And, like Larsen and Leach, she is a target for redemption.
But while it seems unlikely that Larsen will be saved by Van Weyden, it's more than likely that Lupino and Garfield will be able to save each other. After all, she isn't Sigourney Weaver from the Aliens movies. She can't make it alone.